Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Man Detained After Alleged Attack at Hyderabad Temple
A man entered a temple in Hyderabad while people were praying.
Reports say he attacked a priest and hit the goddess’s idol with sticks or tree branches.
People at the temple stopped him and took him to the police.
Police identified him as Mohammed Ansari.
They are investigating what happened and why.
Police also said he is receiving medical and mental-health checks.
BJP leaders criticized the state government over security at Hindu temples.
The investigation is still continuing.
A man allegedly entered Santoshi Mata Temple in Hyderabad during Friday prayers and attacked the priest and idol with sticks or tree branches.
Devotees intervened, reportedly assaulted the man, and handed him over to police.
Police detained him, registered a case, and began investigating the incident and its motive.
The accused was identified as Mohammed Ansari and is undergoing medical and mental-health evaluations, according to police.
Telangana BJP leaders condemned the incident and criticized the Revanth Reddy government over temple security.
- Who
- Hyderabad Police detained Mohammed Ansari; temple devotees, the priest, and Telangana BJP leaders also responded.
- What
- A man allegedly entered Santoshi Mata Temple, attacked the priest, and struck or threw sticks or tree branches at the idol.
- When
- Friday, while prayers were underway.
- Where
- Santoshi Mata Temple beside the Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The motive was not immediately clear; police are investigating, while BJP leaders attributed the incident to alleged failures in temple security and government policy.
Police Account
BJP Criticism
Description of the incident
Police Account
Police and the reports described a man entering the sanctum, throwing tree branches or striking the idol with sticks, and being taken into custody. One report also said he attacked the priest.
BJP Criticism
BJP leaders described the incident as a barbaric attack and alleged that the man raised religious slogans, struck the deity, and desecrated it.
Motive and responsibility
Police Account
Police said the motive was unclear, that the case remains under investigation, and that Mohammed Ansari is undergoing mental-health evaluation.
BJP Criticism
The BJP blamed the Revanth Reddy government, alleging negligence, appeasement politics, and inadequate protection for Hindu temples.
Broader security record
Police Account
The police account focused on the individual incident, the accused's detention, and the ongoing inquiry.
BJP Criticism
BJP leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy alleged that Telangana had recorded more than 15 temple vandalism or desecration incidents since Revanth Reddy became chief minister.
- Accused
- Mohammed Ansari
- Location
- Santoshi Mata Temple, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad
- Reported conduct
- Allegedly attacked a priest and struck or threw sticks or tree branches at the idol
- Timing
- Friday, during prayers
- Police action
- The accused was detained, a case was registered, and an inquiry was initiated
- Medical assessment
- Police are conducting a medical examination and mental-health check-up
- Political response
- Telangana BJP leaders demanded accountability, an impartial investigation, and strict legal action if the accused is found guilty
